Recent Workshop...

I attended a workshop at the IU yesterday given by CAPE, which stands for Center for Advancing Partnerships in Education. The workshop was titled "Putting On Your Best Face for Videoconferencing" and was interesting and informative. (Our district recently received a Polycom unit) We received some great information from our presenters and had the opportunity to have some 'virtual' visits. We were able to see how CAPE's Online World Language program works and experience a brief lesson on Japanese. CAPE uses Elluminate Live for their online learning programs. It expands the boundaries of the classroom, providing an interactive learning experience and improving student performance. I recently learned that Elluminate also offers vRoom, which enables you to collaborate with three participants for FREE! (Thanks Baker!)
Can you imagine learning to play a new instrument when your teacher is 5000 miles away? Well, try an Irish Tin Whistle Course, which gives students around the world the opportunity to play this instrument. A school in Philadelphia is currently participating in this multimedia experience, which suits students of all ages and provides a great learning experience at the same time.
We had the opportunity to view some Virtual Learning Sites that were pretty cool too. By visiting the BCISD site, (sponsored by POLYCOM, inc.) you are able to locate some great sites for videoconferencing field trips by content area using their videoconferencing database. TWICE is also a great site for helping you collaborate around the globe.
Finally, our presenters discussed Videoconferencing protocol, which included instructor & student protocol and the importance of recognizing and being able to manage the difference between distance learning and learning in the classroom. We also got the 'ins and outs' of designing a video conference experience.
In conclusion, videoconferencing is a great way to visit places that you might not be able to visit, such as zoos, NASA, museums, and more. Move beyond the 4 walls of your classroom...get connected and open your students eyes to the world around them!